Postern Gate pub in Warrington town centre permanently closed its doors after the final whistle of the England vs Mexico World Cup game on Monday, July 6, 2026. The venue on St Austins Lane issued a heartbreaking statement declaring the end of the pub as regulars knew it.
Acquisition and Community Vision
Owners Lee Watkinson and Mike Hinton acquired the pub in July 2024 with the goal of making it a community hub offering free legal and mental health services. They refurbished the venue and installed a new sound system.
A recent update from Postern Gate announced the closure after the World Cup match, stating the decision was simply out of their control.
Emotional Farewell
The statement read: "When the final whistle blows at the end of the England game, it won't just signal the end of 90 minutes of football. It will also be the final whistle for Postern Gate as we've all come to know it."
"If we're honest...none of us ever imagined we'd be writing these words. We've laughed together, cried together, celebrated birthdays, promotions, engagements and weddings. We've watched football, darts, boxing, live music, karaoke and thousands of unforgettable nights unfold inside those four walls. Lifelong friendships have been made, relationships have started, and for many people Postern became far more than just a pub. It became home. Unfortunately, some things in life are simply out of your control. As heartbreaking as it is, this chapter has come to an end."
Personal Message from Owner
After an outpouring of support, Lee issued a heartfelt message on Facebook: "Thank you all so much for your kind words. Reading all of your comments has genuinely meant the world to us. I wrote the original post as the outgoing owner, and I won't pretend this isn't emotional. We're all absolutely gutted to be leaving Postern. It's been so much more than just a pub. It's been our home, our family, and the place where so many incredible memories have been made."
New Beginnings at Empire
The team has moved to Empire on Bridge Street. Lee added: "But while one chapter is closing, another is just beginning, and we're incredibly excited about what's ahead. Empire is a fantastic venue that has recently had a full refurbishment, and it has one huge secret - a beer garden that most people don't even know exists! Everyone knows the section you can see from Bridge Street, but that's only half of it. We can't wait to transform the rest into something really special. Our aim is simple: to create the best beer garden in Warrington."
"And yes... the big screen is coming with us. Maybe it'll be bigger. Maybe there'll be more than one. You'll just have to wait and see. What won't be changing is the most important part. The same team. The same DJs. The same security. The same familiar faces behind the bar. Most importantly, the same welcoming atmosphere and the same Postern spirit that made it feel like home. This isn't goodbye. It's simply a new address, just around the corner. We can't wait to welcome every single one of you to Empire and start making the next generation of memories together."
